Venice: Saint Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Gondola Ride German Guided Tour
ID: GYG243592-O-1556107
Category:
Country: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Duration:
01:30 hours
Description
Skip the line at Saint Mark’s Basilica for a guided tour, then enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s scenic canals. Two iconic experiences in one unforgettable day.
1. St. Mark's Basilica Tour
Begin your journey with skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Venice’s most iconic cathedral. As you step inside the “Golden Church,” your expert guide will introduce you to its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, covering over 8,000 square meters.
These stunning artworks, unique in Italy, bring to life scenes from the Old Testament with vibrant color and intricate detail. As you walk through the atrium and along the intricately inlaid marble floors, the guide will explain the basilica’s deep religious and historical significance.
Learn about the architectural evolution, hidden symbols, and centuries of devotion that shaped this sacred space.
The tour concludes at the St. Mark’s Museum, where you are welcome to stay and explore more at your own pace, making it a relaxed and enriching experience.
2. 30 Minutes Gondola Ride
After your basilica visit, unwind with a tranquil 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. Your journey begins on quiet waterways, passing charming sights like Mozart’s home along Rio dei Barcaroli and the scenic Rio dell’Ovo.
Soon, you’ll glide onto the majestic Grand Canal, where you’ll see the iconic Rialto Bridge to your right—a marvel of Renaissance engineering. On the left, admire historic buildings such as Ca' Farsetti and Palazzo Grimani, each steeped in Venetian history. Continue through Rio San Luca, passing under the Ponte del Teatro and Ponte di San Paternian, and catch a glimpse of Palazzo Manin, once home to the last Doge of Venice.
The ride ends back at your starting point—a peaceful, picture-perfect way to see Venice from the water.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to explore Saint Mark’s Basilica with a guide.
- Admire golden mosaics and stunning Byzantine architecture.
- Enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s scenic canals.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please note that the 10:45 AM tour includes the guided visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica. The 30-minute gondola ride will take place at 3:00 PM from the same meeting point. Make sure to return to the meeting location on time for the gondola experience.
• Photography is not allowed only inside the Cathedral.
• Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and are knee-length to access St Mark’s Basilica, otherwise you might not be allowed in.
• For security reasons sacks, bags or knapsacks are not allowed inside the Basilica.
• The storage service is free of charge but please allow sufficient time to do so.
• In the event of adverse weather conditions, the Gondola Ride tour may vary in duration or itinerary.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
• Note that smoking is not allowed on the boat.
• It is not possible to bring bulky baggage of more than 16 liters in size onto the boat.
Please meet your guide in front of the wooden souvenir kiosk, just behind the Correr Museum in Piazza San Marco, next to the entrance to the post office.
INCLUDED
- Official certified guide
- Radio system to hear the guide
- Tickets and Reservations to Saint Mark's Bascilica
- 30 minutes shared Gondola Ride
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Entrance tickets to the attractions are not mentioned in the inclusions
- Gondola ride is not guided
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
